Top Children’s Writers and Illustrators on Tour

15 May 2009

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Literature
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NEWS

News Release

Top Children’s Writers and Illustrators on Tour

Towns and cities all over New Zealand will come alive with books next week as some of the country’s best authors and illustrators visit in celebration of this year’s New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

Twenty-six of this year’s New Zealand Post Book Awards finalists will visit twenty five regions – from Whangarei to Gore - from the 11th to the 20th of May and they will be putting on some literary treat events; from readings and literary quizzes to treasure hunts, dress-ups and colouring competitions.

Booksellers New Zealand chief executive, Lincoln Gould says more writers and illustrators than ever before are touring to celebrate this years New Zealand

Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults.

‘Some of our best creative writers and illustrators are on show during the month of May. And they’ll be a part of some truly exciting events.

‘I urge parents, littlies and teenagers to check out what is happening in their region; there are some treats in store.’

This year’s New Zealand Post Book Awards finalists take to the road as part of the annual nationwide festival of children’s reading and literature, visiting schools, libraries and bookshops. Now in their 13th year, they are the nation’s most prestigious book awards, celebrating writing and publishing for children and teens.

The celebrations culminate in the announcement of the winners at the Auckland Museum on Wednesday 20 May.

New Zealand Post has been a steadfast sponsor of the New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults since 1997. Its partnership has seen the awards flourish, growing from strength to strength over the last decade. New Zealand Post’s support of these awards reflects their deep commitment to promoting literacy and literature throughout the country. Working closely with Booksellers New Zealand Inc, New Zealand Post and other dedicated segments of the community actively encourage New Zealand children to read and enjoy books.

The New Zealand Post Book Awards are also supported by Creative New Zealand and Book Tokens (NZ) Ltd and are administered by Booksellers New Zealand Inc.

ENDS

TOURING WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS ARE AVAILABLE FOR INTERVIEW

IMAGES OF BOOK COVERS and AUTHORS ARE AVAILABLE

KEY DATES 2009:

Friday 1 May Children’s Choice Award voting closes

Monday 11 May Festival week begins with finalist writers on tour

Wednesday 20 May Awards ceremony in Wellington – winners announced

For further information contact: Penny Hartill, publicity consultant to the 2009 New Zealand Post Book Awards for Children and Young Adults: 09 445 7525, 021 721 424, phartill@xtra.co.nz